Lassonde strives to create a nurturing, respectful, and trusting environment for students, faculty, and staff. As such, it is important to recognize health and well-being for students related to the grieving process should a student lose a loved one. We understand that grief impacts every student differently.
As such, we developed and approved as a community the following procedures. This is not an attempt to quantify the impact the death of a loved one has on any student or in any way address the nature of the grief process. The purpose of these procedures is to provide students the time to attend the bereavement services of family members and allow for grieving.
Excused Academic Days
While we understand the grieving process is different for everyone, a student who uses the Bereavement Leave procedure may be granted up to 5 calendar days (7 calendar days for students who must utilize international air travel or who present additional challenges) to mourn the loss of an individual with a significant relationship. Significant relationships may include:
- Parent(s) or Guardian(s)
- Child(s) or ward(s)
- Grandparent(s)
- Sibling(s) (including stepsibling(s))
- Spouse or partner
- Aunt(s) or Uncle(s)
- Cousin(s)
- Niece(s) or Nephew(s)
We understand that each situation is different and may require a tailored solution. Students who are experiencing additional significant impact related to the loss of a loved one and need options beyond 5-7 days are encouraged to discuss further with a member of the Student Welcome and Support Centre. Options may include but are not limited to dropping courses, aegrotat standing, or deferral depending on your unique circumstances.
Procedure
- When feasible, it is recommended that a student first speak with their instructor to find appropriate accommodations. Should this not be possible, or an agreement not reached, students can use the following procedures outlined in this document as a secondary option.
- Students will submit the Bereavement Leave form within two weeks of the beginning of their mourning period.
- Once the form is submitted, the Student Welcome and Support Centre will notify the course director(s) that a bereavement form has been submitted and is under review. The student will be copied on the email of the request.
- The circumstances will be reviewed by the Assistant Dean, Students
- If we can accommodate your request:
- We will communicate with the student and associated Course Directors the sensitive circumstances and include the dates where academic accommodations are needed to support the student and provide resources to assist with bereavement.
- In a timely manner, the Course Director will respond to the student directly communicating the accommodated deadlines which will be at least 7 calendar days from the original assessment deadline(s)
- Students should not be penalized for the accommodated work providing they submit within the accommodated timelines.
- Should the student agree, shifting the weight of the assessment is an option.
- Students are responsible for submitting work in the accommodated timelines as outlined by the Course Directors response.
- Should the mourning period occur during the examination period, the student will be granted deferred standing for exams falling within the period.
- If we are unable to accommodate your request:
- The student will receive a response outlining the rationale for the decision.
- Course Directors will be notified of the decision.
- If we can accommodate your request:
Additional Considerations
These procedures will apply to Lassonde course rubrics (CIVL, CSSD, DIGT, EECS, ENG, ESSE, MECH, TECL). If a student is enrolled in a course not offered by Lassonde, and an agreement is unable to be reached with their Course Director, a representative from the Lassonde Student Welcome and Support Centre will liaise with Course Directors to assist students.
Students aren’t required to utilize this procedure should they experience the loss of a loved one, only if they wish to be excused for academic days.
In order to best support students, we need to receive the form submission within 2 weeks of the loss of a loved one occurring, and prior to when the requested excused days occur where possible. Where the loss of a loved one occurs the day prior to a scheduled assessment, submission of the form may occur during the absence period. Students should make a timely effort given their circumstances to communicate their situation so that appropriate accommodations can be made.
We encourage students to consider their well-being and needs during this time. Students can choose to be selective with applying the leave to specific courses. E.g., if enrolled in 3 courses, the student can request to be excused from some or all 3 courses depending on the needs that will best support them.
Should the leave impact an instructor’s ability to provide timely graded feedback, the instructor will be excused from this requirement but will provide graded feedback within a reasonable timeframe upon submission of the missed graded work.
In order to support students in a timely manner, it is highly encouraged and recommended that students who opt to use this procedure be in regular communication with their professor(s) about their missed assessments.
Should there be any concerns between faculty members and students when utilizing this procedure, the Associate Dean, Academic and Students will be responsible for providing adjudication on the matter.
Students who are participating in Co-op are required to discuss time away with their employer and Lassonde Co-op team representative. This procedure only applies to academic course work.
International students are encouraged to discuss travel with York International to ensure study visa/permit compliance.
Falsifying documents is a violation of the Academic Integrity policy and will be adjudicated via the established process.
References
Heather L. Servaty-Seib, Chye Hong Liew. (2019). Advocating for Bereavement Leave Policies for College Students. Journal of College Student Development, Volume 60, Number 2, March-April 2019, pp. 240-244 (Article) Published by Johns Hopkins University Press DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/csd.2019.0021
Liew, C. H., & Servaty-Seib, H. L. (2020). College Students’ Feedback on a Student Bereavement Leave Policy. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 57(1), 55–68. ISSN: 1949-6591 (print)/1949-6605 (online) https://journals-scholarsportal-info.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/pdf/19496591/v57i0001/55_csfoasblp.xml